L&B Spumoni Gardens

Finally made it out to the BK with my friend Brian for some L&B. Had to have their famous squares. We sat outside to take in all of the sights and sounds of Bensonhurst. Thankfully we went with a half pie and not a whole pie (which could easily feed a family of 8). This pizza is very unique. Unlike most other joints, L&B puts their sauce on top of the mozzerella. The sauce is really good and definitely adds character to this pie. As a finishing touch, they sprinkle some parmigiano cheese on top. For a square pie the dough is really nice and airy. Nothing like the doughy sicilian slice you will find at nearly every sliceria in the city. The crust was nice and well done. My only complaint is that I think the dough was prebaked earlier in the day and then rebaked once the cheese and sauce were added. So the crust was not as fresh tasting as it could have been. I don't know if this is always the case or not. I guess I'll have to see next time I'm there. Brian and I did pretty well and managed to devour 4 slices each along with a pitcher of root beer. We saved some room for spumoni but never got any as we had to bail to avoid getting caught in a thunderstorm. Overall I liked this place and I would definitely go back for more squares.

Angelo's

My friend Brian and I hit up Angelo's after work several months ago. It's on 57th between 6th and 7th. This place is coal oven too. We weren't sure what we were going to get but it was pretty good. The pizza was very reminiscent of Patsy's. Nice and crispy crust and a good sauce to cheese ratio. Not only was the pizza like Patsy's but the decor and the menus were a carbon copy of Patsy's. It was as though Angelo's bought a Patsy's pizzeria and converted it to Angelo's. The place was very quiet and there was no wait for a table. Overall, the pie was good.

Lombardi's

It's the first pizzeria to open in NY. 101 years old. Coal Oven cranks out some awesome pie. This place was my number 1 for so many years. I raved about it to anyone who would listen. You just couldn't beat it. The crust was perfect. The coal oven roasted red peppers were the best I've ever had. The first picture here is from a trip with my friend Kevin in the pre expansion era (B.E.). I'm sad to report that the pizza has changed. The crust is thinner, the pies smaller, and the cheese and toppings more sparse. Just look at the picture from the post expansion era (A.E.). This is not an anomaly either as the last several times I have been here the pizza was sub par. Ever since expanding, things have changed. Don't get me wrong, this place still serves some relatively good pie but not as good as it used to be. I'll always hold a special place in my heart for Lombardi's but my ride down to Spring St. will be less frequent. If you do go, try to go on a weeknight when it is less busy and the pies tend to come out perfectly charred.

Totonno's Upper East

This place keeps moving up the list of favorites. The crust is always crispy from the brick oven and the sauce is really flavorful. Daena really likes the house salad here. Also, on Monday nights you can get a large pie and a pitcher of beer for $25. Great deal! I have yet to try the original Totonno's in Brooklyn but I have plans to visit this summer.

Patsy's Upper East

After a long day in the lab I needed a fix. Daena and I went to Patsy's on 69th and 2nd. The pie was great. Tangy sauce and crispy crust. Patsy's has definitely changed their pie over the last year and for the better. The last several times we have eaten here we have really enjoyed the pizza. The service is quite bad but who needs service once your pizza has arrived to the table!

Grimaldi's Pizza

I have to start with my current favorite. This place is awesome. Too good to really describe with words. You'll have to wait for a table but it's so worth it. Coal oven makes for the perfect crust and the fresh mozzarella is superb. I recommend the roasted red peppers as they are awesome too. There is a great view of the oven from the tables and so you can watch your pie as it is being made. When you are done you can walk to the waterfront and take in the manhattan skyline. If you have room (which you probably won't) you can try the Brooklyn Ice Cream factory right on the pier.

Hello Everyone...

This site is long overdue as anyone who knows me will know that I love pizza and I rarely go out for pizza without my camera in hand. So, as a tribute to my favorite food I plan on documenting my visits to the plethora of great New York pizzerias. Some are old, some are new, and all are tasty. I hope you enjoy this as much as I will. Lets grab some pie!